They chose to fight, because you gave them no other choice. But they didn't apply themselves well enough to win. [Joshua tips his head a little in thought.] Just because someone has no physical strength or skill doesn't mean that they're unfit to win. Anyone can win the Game if they try hard enough.

[... ah, but that's what he's been looking for. A chess piece to push forward.]

By doing exactly what you did just now. Play by the rules. Do what you're supposed to do. Good dogs get rewarded, after all.